Boy Scouts join with AHS to promote 20th National Trails Day®

American Hiking Society and the Boy Scouts of America are proud to announce the 2012 joint commitment to promote trail stewardship by offering a variety of exciting opportunities for Scouts and other individuals to give back to public lands across the country. “Trail stewardship and youth outdoor engagement are fundamental to each organization’s mission,” says Gregory Miller, president of American Hiking Society. “We are thrilled to continue our steadfast partnership with the Boy Scouts of America to engage youth and families in America’s great outdoors and to preserve and protect hiking trails nationwide.”

Frequently asked questions

What is National Trails Day?

American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day (NTD), an annual trail awareness program, is an opportunity for your club, organization or business to celebrate the 200,000+ miles of outdoor trails in our county by organizing an event in your area. Take part in an effort to promote healthy living, protect green space, educate adults and youth on the importance of trails, and instill excitement for the outdoors.

What day is National Trails Day?

The official date of National Trails Day is always the first Saturday in June. In 2012, NTD will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2012. However, your event can occur on any date that fits your group’s schedule. Register the date that suits you whether it is a different day, a series of day, or an entire season.

How much does it cost to register an event, and who can host an event?

It’s FREE! Log on to www.AmericanHiking.org and register your NTD event beginning in early February 2012. Any club, organization, group, company, or business with an interest in trail use may host a NTD event.

Download the free Event Organizer’s Manual on the website for information on planning and building your event, health benefits, fundraising, publicity, promotion, and logistics.

How do I publicize my event?

When you register on www.AmericanHiking.org, your event will be posted on our site and searchable for all those looking to participate in a NTD event.

What if my event is private and I don’t want it posted on your site?

Enter the word “PRIVATE” in the event description box on the online registration form. Your event will not be public- but you’ll still get some freebies.

What support or promotional items does American Hiking Society provide to help me organize my NTD event?

American Hiking Society executes a local and national public relations campaign for NTD. In addition, we will supply you with sample press releases, media alerts, fact sheets, flyers, posters, and media guidelines. The first 500 people to register an NTD event will receive promotional freebies. Other promotional products such as organizers kits, t-shirts, and patches can be purchased on our website.

Who are sponsors and partners of National Trails Day®?

2011 Sponsors included Backpacker Magazine, Columbia, Eastern Mountain Sports, Fetzer, Merrell, and The North Face. Supporters and Partners include American Park Network, REI, YMCA of the USA, USDA Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, National Park Service, and the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration.

Since the creation of NTD in 1993, the program has inspired and engaged thousands of individuals, trail clubs, businesses and government agencies worldwide. Events have taken place in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, Guam, United Kingdom, Nova Scotia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. With nearly 2,000 registered events in 2010, NTD has become a permanent fixture on thousands of calendars. Media coverage for NTD 2010 reached nearly 179 million readers and listeners worldwide, and NTD 2010 volunteers contributed nearly 190,350 volunteer labor hours to our nation’s trails, worth an estimated $3.9 million.